Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to optical articles and devices, particularlythose that are retroreflective. The optical articles and devices includelightguides made with viscoelastic materials.

BACKGROUND

Retroreflective films are characterized by the ability to reflectincident light back toward an originating light source. Cube cornerretroreflective sheeting, sometimes referred to as “prismatic”retroreflective sheeting, typically comprises a thin transparent layerhaving a substantially planar first surface and a second structuredsurface comprising a plurality of cube corner elements. Each cube cornerelement is formed by three reflecting faces at the surface of the thintransparent layer. Light incident upon a reflecting surface can undergoa number of additional reflections before being directed back toward thelight source. Prismatic retroreflective sheeting may be used in trafficsafety applications, such as for license plates, road signs, barricades,pavement markers and marking tape, as well as for personal safetyapplications including tape for clothing, headgear, vehicles and thelike. Prismatic retroreflective sheeting may be used to provide signagein graphic arts applications.

Prismatic retroreflective sheeting is known for being able to reflect alarge portion of incident light back towards an originating lightsource. Without a light source, however, prismatic retroreflectivesheeting can be difficult to see under some conditions.

Lightguides are used to facilitate distribution of light from a lightsource over an area much larger than the light source. Lightguidescomprise optically transmissive materials and may have different formssuch as slab, wedge, and pseudo-wedge forms. Most lightguides aredesigned to accept light at an edge surface and allow this light topropagate by total internal reflection between a back surface and anoutput surface, toward an opposing edge surface from which the lightenters. Light is emitted uniformly from the output surface usingextracting features that are positioned in various types of patterns onthe output surface.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, aviscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable forretroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters theviscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide bytotal internal reflection. The optical device may have a “front lit”configuration such that the transported light is extracted from thelightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of theretroreflective film. The optical device may have a “back lit”configuration such that the transported light is extracted from thelightguide and transmitted through the retroreflective film.Retroreflection at the structured surface may comprise reflection byrefraction or reflection by diffraction depending on the particularconstuction of the optical device.

The retroreflective film may comprise prismatic retroreflective sheetingsuch as that used in traffic signs and markings The retroreflective filmmay also comprise a holographic film or a film structured withdiffraction gratings.

The optical device may be used as, for example, a sign or marking, alicense plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a securitylaminate for protection of documents against tampering, or anillumination device.

These and other aspects of the invention are described in the detaileddescription below. In no event should the above summary be construed asa limitation on the claimed subject matter which is defined solely bythe claims as set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

Advantages and features of the invention may be more completelyunderstood by consideration of the following figures in connection withthe detailed description provided below. The figures are schematicdrawings of various articles and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIGS. 1 a-d, 2 and 3 a-b show schematic cross sections of exemplarydevices having front lit configurations.

FIGS. 4 a-b and 5-9 show schematic cross sections of exemplary deviceshaving back lit configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/079639filed on Jul. 10, 2008 (64347US002, Sherman et al.); 61/087387 filed onAug. 8, 2008 (64691US002, Sherman et al.); 61/114865 filed on Nov. 14,2008 (64347US003, Sherman et al.); 61/114849 filed on Nov. 14, 2008(64691US003, Sherman et al.); and 61/169973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009(64347US008, Sherman et al.); all incorporated herein by reference.

The optical device disclosed herein includes a light source that emitslight, a viscoelastic layer for managing the light and a retroreflectivefilm for redirecting the light back in the general direction of thelight source. Optical article refers to the corresponding optical devicewithout the light source.

The optical device may provide one or more advantages. For example, theviscoelastic lightguide is generally soft and compliant such that thelight source may be easily coupled to the lightguide so that light canenter the lightguide. In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguidecomprises a PSA which is generally tacky at room temperature. The lightsource may then be coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide such that itis adhered to the lightguide. This may facilitate assembly of theoptical device itself or constructions in which the device is used.

Light is typically extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide at one ormore desired locations or areas of the lightguide. In some embodiments,an extractor layer may be used to extract light from the viscoelasticlightguide. Again, due to the soft and compliant properties of theviscoelastic lightguide, the extractor layer may be easily coupled tothe lightguide so that light can enter the layer. If the viscoelasticlightguide comprises a PSA, the extractor layer can be directly adheredto the lightguide without the need for additional materials to bond thetwo together. Light from the extractor layer can then be retroreflectedby the retroreflective film such that the optical article is lit up bylight originating from the light source.

In some embodiments, the retroreflective film may be used to extractlight from the viscoelastic lightguide. Again, due to the soft andcompliant properties of the viscoelastic lightguide, the retroreflectivefilm may be easily coupled to the lightguide so that light can enter theretroreflective film. If the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a PSA,the retroreflective film can be directly adhered to the lightguidewithout the need for additional materials to bond the two together.Light from the viscoelastic lightguide can then be retroreflected by theretroreflective film such that the optical article is lit up by lightoriginating from the light source.

The optical device may be used to provide light anywhere it is desired.The optical device may be designed for interior and/or exterior use. Theoptical device may be designed for household, commercial and/orindustrial use. The optical device may be used and/or provided in aconstruction so that it is portable, i.e., it is a portable source oflight. Lighted cards, tapes, signs, labels, stickers, cut-outs, etc. areexamples of portable constructions that may be made using the opticaldevice. The optical device may also be used and/or provided in a morestationary construction such as in a license plate assembly or as partof a lighting assembly used to provide lighting on the exterior of avehicle, e.g., for tail lights, replacing tail light cavities and theirlighting assemblies and which are very space consuming. The opticaldevice may also be used to provide “light on demand”, e.g., the lightsource may be activated selectively when certain conditions are met.

The optical device may also be very adaptable, even by a user, so thatit can be used in different lighting forms and constructions. Forexample, optical articles may be provided in roll or sheet form that canbe cut into various shapes and sizes. The light source may beinterchangeable with the optical article, for example, if the lightsource should become unusable or if a different color of light isdesired. Further, if used in a sign construction, graphics can beinterchanged, for example, if one would like to update an advertisement.The optical device can be used with a variety of retroreflective films,and the films can be either front lit or back lit relative to theposition of a viewer.

The optical device may provide many more advantages. The optical devicecan be used to provide light that is bright, diffuse, uniform and/orconcentrated over particular areas. The optical device may provideadvantages by being thin, flexible and/or lightweight. The viscoelasticlightguide may be tiled to light large areas of retroreflective filmwhich may be made easier if the lightguides can be stuck together. Dueto its viscoelastic properties, the viscoelastic lightguide may alsodampen stresses experienced by the optical device or construction inwhich the device is used. The viscoelastic lightguide, when disposed ona substrate, may be removable and/or repositionable over time. Theoptical device may also provide advantages related to cost, because itcan be made from commercially available light sources, viscoelasticmaterials and retroreflective films. Additional advantages are describedbelow.

The behavior of light with respect to the optical devices and articlesdisclosed herein can be described using principles of geometric optics.These principles are well known and are not presented here; a moredetailed description can be found in the Sherman et al. references citedabove. In general, one may apply the law of refraction and the principleof total internal reflection in conjunction with ray tracing techniquesto determine theoretically how varying three dimensional structure,material composition, layer construction, angular distribution of light,etc. can affect the behavior of light for the optical devices andarticles disclosed herein.

Front Lit Configuration

FIG. 1 a shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device100. This embodiment is an example of a front lit configuration in whichviscoelastic lightguide 110 is on top of retroreflective film 140 orcloser than the retroreflective film to the viewer as indicated by eye120. Light source 105 is positioned relative to viscoelastic lightguide110 such that light emitted by the light source enters viscoelasticlightguide 110 and is transported within the layer by total internalreflection. Light emitted by the light source is represented by rays 106which enter viscoelastic lightguide 110 through input surface 113adapted to receive light from the light source. Light within theviscoelastic lightguide is represented by single ray 130 which istransported by total internal reflection. At least a portion of theviscoelastic lightguide has optically smooth surface 111 and/or 112.

Light emitted by the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide andis transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. Ingeneral, total internal reflection occurs when light having a particularangular component or distribution is incident upon an interface at oneor more angles greater than the critical angle θ_(c). An opticallysmooth surface, as used herein, means that the surface is smooth enoughsuch that light incident upon the surface is not affected undesirably bythe surface, e.g., the surface is free of defects having at least onedimension larger than the wavelength of the incident light. Theoptically smooth surface allows at least some of the light entering theviscoelastic lightguide to be reflected at the surface such that thislight continues to propagate within the layer according to the principleof total internal reflection. For reflection of light incident on anoptically smooth surface, the observed reflection angle is within about10° of the calculated reflection angle. Total internal reflection occursif a predetermined amount, or at least within about 10% of apredetermined amount, of light does not escape the viscoelasticlightguide unless it is intentionally extracted from the lightguide.

Exemplary optical device 100 further comprises retroreflective film 140having upper structured surface 141 and lower structured surface 142.Light propagating within the viscoelastic lightguide may be extracted,as shown by ray 131, from the lightguide and retroreflected from eitherstructured surface of retroreflective film 140.

The viscoelastic lightguide may not be in direct contact with theretroreflective film. One or more layers may be disposed between theviscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film depending on thedesired effect. Embodiments in which the viscoelastic lightguide and theretroreflective film are not in contact are described below.

The viscoelastic lightguide may be in direct contact with theretroreflective film. FIG. 1 b shows a schematic cross section ofexemplary optical device 150 having a front lit configuration. In thisembodiment, viscoelastic lightguide 155 is in direct contact withretroreflective film 140 such that interface 156 is formed. FIG. 1 cshows a schematic cross section of another exemplary optical device 160having a front lit configuration. In this embodiment, viscoelasticlightguide 110 is in direct contact with retroreflective film 165 suchthat interface 168 is formed.

The viscoelastic lightguide may have opposing major surfaces that aresubstantially unstructured as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 c. These majorsurfaces may also be structured with a plurality of features, or onemajor surface may be substantially unstructured and the other structuredwith a plurality of features. In FIG. 1 b, the surface of theviscoelastic lightguide at interface 156 is structured with a pluralityof features. FIG. 1 d shows a schematic cross section of exemplaryoptical device 170 having a front lit configuration. In this embodiment,viscoelastic lightguide 175 is not in direct contact withretroreflective film 140. Viscoelastic lightguide 175 comprises upperstructured surface 176 and lower surface 177.

A structured surface of the viscoelastic lightguide comprises aplurality of features which may include protrusions and/or depressionshaving lenticular, prismatic, ellipsoidal, conical, parabolic,pyramidal, square, or rectangular shapes, or a combination thereof.Features comprising lenses (as shown for surface 176 in FIG. 1 d) areparticularly useful for directing light to a preferred angulardistribution. Features comprising linear prisms or elongated prisms (asshown for surface 141 in FIG. 1 b) are also particularly useful. Otherexemplary features comprise protrusions and/or depressions havingelongated, irregular, variably sloped lenticular, or random columnarshapes, or a combination thereof. Hybrids of any combination of shapesmay be used, for example, elongated parabolic, pyramidal prismatic,rectangular-based prismatic, and rounded-tip prismatic shapes. Thefeatures may comprise random combinations of shapes.

Sizes of the features may be described by their overall shapes in threedimensions. In some embodiments, each feature may have a dimension offrom about 1 to about 100 um, for example, from about 5 to about 70 um.The features of a surface may have all the same shape, but the sizes ofthe shapes may vary in at least one dimension. The features of a surfacemay have different shapes, and the sizes of these features may or maynot vary in any given dimension.

Surface structures of the features may also be varied. Surface structureof a feature generally refers to the sub-structure of the feature.Exemplary surface structures include optically smooth surfaces,irregular surfaces, patterned surfaces, or a combination thereof. For agiven surface having a plurality of features, all or some of thefeatures may have the same surface structure, or they may all bedifferent. The surface structure of a feature may vary over portions ofthe feature. An optically smooth surface of a feature may form part ofthe optically smooth surface of the viscoelastic lightguide. Theoptically smooth surfaces of the feature and the viscoelastic lightguidemay be continuous or discontinuous with each other. If a plurality offeatures is used, the surfaces of some features may be completelyoptically smooth or some may be partially optically smooth.

The number of features, if used, for a given structured surface is atleast one. A plurality of features, meaning at least two, may also beused. In general, any number of features may be included, e.g., 0, 1, 2,3, 4 or 5 features; greater than 1, greater than 10, greater than 20,greater than 30, greater than 40, greater than 50, greater than 100,greater than 200, greater than 500, greater than 1000, or greater than2000 features; or from about 1 to about 10, from about 1 to about 20,from about 1 to about 30, from about 1 to about 40, from about 1 toabout 50, from about 1 to about 100, from about 1 to about 200, fromabout 1 to about 500, from about 1 to about 1000, or from about 1 toabout 2000 features.

The features may be randomly arranged, arranged in some type of regularpattern, or both. The distance between features may also vary. Thefeatures may be discreet or they may overlap. The features may bearranged in close proximity to one another, in substantial contact witheach other, immediately adjacent each other, or some combinationthereof. A useful distance between features is up to about 10 um, orfrom about 0.05 um to about 10 um. The features may be offset withrespect to one another, angularly as well as transversely. The arealdensity of the features may change over the length, width, or both.

The features may be used to control the amount and/or direction of lightthat is extracted from the retroreflective film. The features may bearranged to obtain a desired optical effect. The features may bearranged to provide an image, extract light uniformly or as a gradientfrom the viscoelastic lightguide, hide discrete light sources, or reduceMoiré. This can be carried out generally by varying the shape, size,surface structure, and/or orientation of the features. If a plurality offeatures is used, then the number and/or arrangement of the features maybe varied, as well as the orientation of the features relative to eachother.

The shape of a feature may change the angular component of light whichcan increase or decrease the amount of light that is extracted from theviscoelastic layer. This may be the case if light propagates by totalinternal reflection within the viscoelastic lightguide and strikes asurface of a feature at an angle less than, equal to, or greater thanthe critical angle for the viscoelastic lightguide and an adjacentsubstrate which may or may not be the retroreflective film. The amountof light that is extracted from from the viscoelastic lightguide mayincrease or decrease accordingly. The size of a feature may be changedsuch that more or less light can reflect off a surface of the feature,thus increasing or decreasing the amount of light that is extracted fromthe viscoelastic layer. The surface structure of a feature may be usedto control the distribution of light that is extracted from theviscoelastic layer. Light having a particular angular distribution maystrike a feature and be extracted uniformly and/or randomly. Light mayalso be extracted uniformly and in a pattern, or randomly and in apattern.

The viscoelastic lightguide is generally in contact with at least onemedium. The medium may comprise air or a substrate, and substrates maybe the retroreflective film, polymeric film, metal, glass, and/orfabric. Particular substrates are described below for a variety ofexemplary constructions. For the purpose of convenience, a viscoelasticlightguide in contact with a substrate is described below, but thissubstrate may comprise any type of medium including air.

Given a particular retroreflective film or substrate in contact with theviscoelastic lightguide, the amount of light extracted from thelightguide and by the substrate may be from about 10 to about 50%, fromabout 20 to about 50%, from about 30 to about 50%, from about 50 toabout 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, or from about 10 to about 90%relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.

The transmittance angle for light extracted from the viscoelasticlightguide by the retroreflective film or substrate may be from greaterthan about 5° to less than about 95°, greater than about 5° to less thanabout 60°, or greater than about 5° to less than about 30° .

The viscoelastic lightguide may have a refractive index greater thanthat of the retroreflective film or the substrate. The refractive indexof the viscoelastic lightguide may be greater than about 0.002, greaterthan about 0.005, greater than about 0.01, greater than about 0.02,greater than about 0.03, greater than about 0.04, greater than about0.05, greater than about 0.1, greater than about 0.2, greater than about0.3, greater than about 0.4, or greater than about 0.5, as compared tothe refractive index of the retroreflective film or substrate.

The viscoelastic lightguide may have a refractive index less than thatof the retroreflective film or substrate. The refractive index of theviscoelastic lightguide may be less than about 0.002, less than about0.005, less than about 0.01, less than about 0.02, less than about 0.03,less than about 0.04, less than about 0.05, less than about 0.1, lessthan about 0.2, less than about 0.3, less than about 0.4, or less thanabout 0.5, as compared to the refractive index of the retroreflectivefilm or substrate.

The viscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film or substratemay have the same or nearly the same refractive index such that lightcan be extracted into the retroreflective film or substrate with littleor no change to the light. The refractive index difference of theviscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film or substrate may befrom about 0.001 to less than about 0.002.

The refractive index difference of the viscoelastic lightguide and theretroreflective film or substrate may be from about 0.002 to about 0.5,from about 0.005 to about 0.5, from about 0.01 to about 0.5, from about0.02 to about 0.5, from about 0.03 to about 0.5, from about 0.04 toabout 0.5, from about 0.05 to about 0.5, from about 0.1 to about 0.5,from about 0.2 to about 0.5, from about 0.3 to about 0.5, or from about0.4 to about 0.5.

The viscoelastic lightguide may have any bulk three-dimensional shape asis needed for a given application. The viscoelastic lightguide may be inthe form of a square or rectangular layer, sheet, film, etc. Theviscoelastic lightguide may be cut or divided into shapes as describedbelow.

The thickness of the viscoelastic lightguide is not particularly limitedas long as it can function as desired. The thickness of the viscoelasticlightguide may be selected based on or in conjunction with the lightsource. For example, design parameters may limit or even require that aparticular light source(s) be used, and there may be a minimum amount,or range of amounts, of light that is required to enter the viscoelasticlightguide. Thus, the thickness of the viscoelastic lightguide may beselected so that the required amount of light from a given light sourcecan enter the lightguide. A maximum thickness of the viscoelasticlightguide may be required for use in optical devices designed to beparticularly thin. Exemplary thicknesses for the viscoelastic lightguiderange from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil, from about 1 mil to about300 mil, from about 1 mil to about 60 mil, or from about 0.5 mil toabout 30 mil.

The amount and direction of light extracted from the viscoelasticlightguide may be controlled, at the very least, by the shape, size,number, arrangement, etc. of the features, the refractive indices of theviscoelastic lightguide and any medium with which the lightguide is incontact, the shape and size of the viscoelastic lightguide, and theangular distribution of light that is allowed to enter the viscoelasticlightguide. These variables may be selected such that from about 10 toabout 50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about 30 to about 50%, fromabout 50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, or from about 10 toabout 90% of light is extracted from the viscoelastic lightguiderelative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.

The viscoelastic lightguide comprises one or more viscoelasticmaterials. In general, viscoelastic materials exhibit both elastic andviscous behavior when undergoing deformation. Elastic characteristicsrefer to the ability of a material to return to its original shape aftera transient load is removed. One measure of elasticity for a material isreferred to as the tensile set value which is a function of theelongation remaining after the material has been stretched andsubsequently allowed to recover (destretch) under the same conditions bywhich it was stretched. If a material has a tensile set value of 0%,then it has returned to its original length upon relaxation, whereas ifthe tensile set value is 100%, then the material is twice its originallength upon relaxation. Tensile set values may be measured using ASTMD412. Useful viscoelastic materials may have tensile set values ofgreater than about 10%, greater than about 30%, or greater than about50%; or from about 5 to about 70%, from about 10 to about 70%, fromabout 30 to about 70%, or from about 10 to about 60%.

Viscous materials that are Newtonian liquids have viscouscharacteristics that obey Newton's law which states that stressincreases linearly with shear gradient. A liquid does not recover itsshape as the shear gradient is removed. Viscous characteristics ofuseful viscoelastic materials include flowability of the material underreasonable temperatures such that the material does not decompose.

The viscoelastic lightguide may have properties that facilitatesufficient contact or wetting with at least a portion of a materialdesigned to extract light from the lightguide, e.g., the retroreflectivefilm or substrate, such that the viscoelastic lightguide and theretroreflective film are optically coupled. Light can then be extractedfrom the viscoelastic lightguide. The viscoelastic lightguide isgenerally soft, compliant and flexible. Thus, the viscoelasticlightguide may have an elastic modulus (or storage modulus G′) such thatsufficient contact can be obtained, and a viscous modulus (or lossmodulus G″) such that the layer doesn't flow undesirably, and a dampingcoefficient (G″/G′, tan D) for the relative degree of damping of thelayer.

Useful viscoelastic materials may have a storage modulus, G′, of lessthan about 300,000 Pa, measured at 10 rad/sec and a temperature of fromabout 20 to about 22° C. Useful viscoelastic materials may have astorage modulus, G′, of from about 30 to about 300,000 Pa, measured at10 rad/sec and a temperature of from about 20 to about 22° C. Usefulviscoelastic materials may have a storage modulus, G′, of from about 30to about 150,000 Pa, measured at 10 rad/sec and a temperature of fromabout 20 to about 22° C. Useful viscoelastic materials may have astorage modulus, G′, of from about 30 to about 30,000 Pa, measured at 10rad/sec and a temperature of from about 20 to about 22° C.

Useful viscoelastic materials may have a storage modulus, G′, of fromabout 30 to about 150,000 Pa, measured at 10 rad/sec and a temperatureof from about 20 to about 22° C., and a loss tangent (tan d) of fromabout 0.4 to about 3. Viscoelastic properties of materials can bemeasured using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis according to, for example,ASTM D4065, D4440, and D5279.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a PSA layeras described in the Dalquist criterion line (as described in Handbook ofPressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology, Second Ed., D. Satas, ed., VanNostrand Reinhold, New York, 1989.)

The viscoelastic lightguide may have a particular peel force or at leastexhibit a peel force within a particular range. For example, theviscoelastic lightguide may have a 90° peel force of from about 50 toabout 3000 g/in, from about 300 to about 3000 g/in, or from about 500 toabout 3000 g/in. Peel force may be measured using a peel tester fromIMASS.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises an opticallyclear lightguide having high light transmittance of from about 80 toabout 100%, from about 90 to about 100%, from about 95 to about 100%, orfrom about 98 to about 100% over at least a portion of the visible lightspectrum (about 400 to about 700 nm). In some embodiments, theviscoelastic lightguide has a haze value of less than about 5%, lessthan about 3%, or less than about 1%. In some embodiments, theviscoelastic lightguide has a haze value of from about 0.01 to less thanabout 5%, from about 0.01 to less than about 3%, or from about 0.01 toless than about 1%. Haze values in transmission can be determined usinga haze meter according to ASTM D1003.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises an opticallyclear lightguide having high light transmittance and a low haze value.High light transmittance may be from about 90 to about 100%, from about95 to about 100%, or from about 99 to about 100% over at least a portionof the visible light spectrum (about 400 to about 700 nm), and hazevalues may be from about 0.01 to less than about 5%, from about 0.01 toless than about 3%, or from about 0.01 to less than about 1%. Theviscoelastic lightguide may also have a light transmittance of fromabout 50 to about 100%.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide is hazy and diffuseslight, particularly visible light. A hazy viscoelastic lightguide mayhave a haze value of greater than about 5%, greater than about 20%, orgreater than about 50%. A hazy viscoelastic lightguide may have a hazevalue of from about 5 to about 90%, from about 5 to about 50%, or fromabout 20 to about 50%.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide may be translucent inthat it reflects and transmits light.

The viscoelastic lightguide may have a refractive index in the range offrom about 1.3 to about 2.6, 1.4 to about 1.7, or from about 1.5 toabout 1.7. The particular refractive index or range of refractiveindices selected for the viscoelastic lightguide may depend on theoverall design of the optical device and the particular application inwhich the device may be used.

The viscoelastic lightguide generally comprises at least one polymer.The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise at least one PSA. PSAs areuseful for adhering together adherends and exhibit properties such as:(1) aggressive and permanent tack, (2) adherence with no more thanfinger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to hold onto an adherend, and(4) sufficient cohesive strength to be cleanly removable from theadherend. Materials that have been found to function well as pressuresensitive adhesives are polymers designed and formulated to exhibit therequisite viscoelastic properties resulting in a desired balance oftack, peel adhesion, and shear holding power. Obtaining the properbalance of properties is not a simple process. A quantitativedescription of PSAs can be found in the Dahlquist reference cited above.

Useful PSAs are described in detailed in the Sherman et al. referencescited above. Only a brief description of useful PSAs is included here.Exemplary poly(meth)acrylate PSAs are derived from: monomer A comprisingat least one monoethylenically unsaturated alkyl (meth)acrylate monomerand which contributes to the flexibility and tack of the PSA; andmonomer B comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturatedfree-radically copolymerizable reinforcing monomer which raises the Tgof the PSA and contributes to the cohesive strength of the PSA. MonomerB has a homopolymer glass transition temperature (Tg) higher than thatof monomer A. As used herein, (meth)acrylic refers to both acrylic andmethacrylic species and likewise for (meth)acrylate. Preferably, monomerA has a homopolymer Tg of no greater than about 0° C.

Preferably, the alkyl group of the (meth)acrylate has an average ofabout 4 to about 20 carbon atoms. Examples of monomer A include2-methylbutyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, sec-butyl acrylate, n-butylacrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, and isononylacrylate. The alkyl group can comprise ethers, alkoxy ethers,ethoxylated or propoxylated methoxy (meth)acrylates. Monomer A maycomprise benzyl acrylate.

Preferably, monomer B has a homopolymer Tg of at least about 10° C., forexample, from about 10 to about 50° C. Monomer B may comprise(meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylamide and N-monoalkyl or N-dialkylderivatives thereof, or a (meth)acrylate. Examples of monomer B includeN-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, diacetone acrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N, N-diethyl acrylamide, N-ethyl-N-aminoethyl acrylamide,N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, N,N-dihydroxyethyl acrylamide,t-butyl acrylamide, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylamide, and N-octylacrylamide. Other examples of monomer B include itaconic acid, crotonicacid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, 2,2-(diethoxy)ethyl acrylate,2-hydroxyethyl acrylate or methacrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl acrylate ormethacrylate, methyl methacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, 2-(phenoxy)ethylacrylate or methacrylate, biphenylyl acrylate, t-butylphenyl acrylate,cyclohexyl acrylate, dimethyladamantyl acrylate, 2-naphthyl acrylate,phenyl acrylate, N-vinyl formamide, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, and N-vinyl caprolactam.

In some embodiments, the (meth)acrylate PSA is formulated to have aresultant Tg of less than about 0° C. and more preferably, less thanabout −10° C. Such (meth)acrylate PSAs include about 60 to about 98% byweight of at least one monomer A and about 2 to about 40% by weight ofat least one monomer B, both relative to the total weight of the(meth)acrylate PSA copolymer.

Useful PSAs include natural rubber-based and synthetic rubber-basedPSAs. Rubber-based PSAs include butyl rubber, copolymers of isobutyleneand isoprene, polyisobutylene, homopolymers of isoprene, polybutadiene,and styrene/butadiene rubber. These PSAs may be inherently tacky or theymay require tackifiers. Tackifiers include rosins and hydrocarbonresins.

Useful PSAs include thermoplastic elastomers. These PSAs include styreneblock copolymers with rubbery blocks of polyisoprene, polybutadiene,poly(ethylene/butylene), poly(ethylene-propylene. Resins that associatewith the rubber phase may be used with thermoplastic elastomer PSAs ifthe elastomer itself is not tacky enough. Examples of rubber phaseassociating resins include aliphatic olefin-derived resins, hydrogenatedhydrocarbons, and terpene phenolic resins. Resins that associate withthe thermoplastic phase may be used with thermoplastic elastomer PSAs ifthe elastomer is not stiff enough. Thermoplastic phase associatingresins include polyaromatics, coumarone-indene resins, resins derivedfrom coal tar or petroleum.

Useful PSAs include tackified thermoplastic-epoxy pressure sensitiveadhesives as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,394 (Ylitalo et al.).These PSAs include thermoplastic polymer, tackifier and an epoxycomponent.

Useful PSAs include polyurethane pressure sensitive adhesive asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,718,712 (Tushaus). These PSAs includecrosslinked polyurethane and a tackifier.

Useful PSAs include polyurethane acrylate as described in US2006/0216523 (Shusuke). These PSAs include urethane acrylate oligomer,plasticizer and an initiator.

Useful PSAs include silicone PSAs such as polydiorganosiloxanes,polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides and silicone urea block copolymersdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,119 (Leir, et al). The silicone PSAsmay be formed from a hyrosilylation reaction between one or morecomponents having silicon-bonded hydrogen and aliphatic unsaturation.The silicone PSAs may include a polymer or gum and an optionaltackifying resin. The tackifying resin may comprise a three-dimensionalsilicate structure that is endcapped with trialkylsiloxy groups.

Useful silicone PSAs may also comprise a polydiorganosiloxanepolyoxamide and an optional tackifier as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,361,474 (Sherman et al.) incorporated herein by reference. Usefultackifiers include silicone tackifying resins as described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,090,922 B2 (Zhou et al.) incorporated herein by reference.

The PSA may be crosslinked to build molecular weight and strength of thePSA. Crosslinking agents may be used to form chemical crosslinks,physical crosslinks or a combination thereof, and they may be activatedby heat, UV radiation and the like.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a PSA formedfrom a (meth)acrylate block copolymer as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,255,920 B2 (Everaerts et al.). In general, these (meth)acrylate blockcopolymers comprise: at least two A block polymeric units that are thereaction product of a first monomer composition comprising an alkylmethacrylate, an aralkyl methacrylate, an aryl methacrylate, or acombination thereof, each A block having a Tg of at least 50° C., themethacrylate block copolymer comprising from 20 to 50 weight percent Ablock; and at least one B block polymeric unit that is the reactionproduct of a second monomer composition comprising an alkyl(meth)acrylate, a heteroalkyl (meth)acrylate, a vinyl ester, or acombination thereof, the B block having a Tg no greater than 20° C., the(meth)acrylate block copolymer comprising from 50 to 80 weight percent Bblock; wherein the A block polymeric units are present as nanodomainshaving an average size less than about 150 nm in a matrix of the B blockpolymeric units.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a clearacrylic PSA, for example, those available as transfer tapes such as VHB™Acrylic Tape 4910F from 3M Company and 3M™ Optically Clear LaminatingAdhesives (8140 and 8180 series).

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a PSA formedfrom at least one monomer containing a substituted or an unsubstitutedaromatic moiety as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,978 B1 (Olson etal.).

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a copolymeras described in U.S. Ser. No. 11/875194 (63656US002, Determan et al.),comprising (a) monomer units having pendant bephenyl groups and (b)alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a copolymeras described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/983735(63760US002, Determan et al.), comprising (a) monomer units havingpendant carbazole groups and (b) alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises an adhesiveas described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/986298(63108US002, Schaffer et al.), comprising a block copolymer dispersed inan adhesive matrix to form a Lewis acid-base pair. The block copolymercomprises an AB block copolymer, and the A block phase separates to formmicrodomains within the B block/adhesive matrix. For example, theadhesive matrix may comprise a copolymer of an alkyl (meth)acrylate anda (meth)acrylate having pendant acid functionality, and the blockcopolymer may comprise a styrene-acrylate copolymer. The microdomainsmay be large enough to forward scatter incident light, but not so largethat they backscatter incident light. Typically these microdomains arelarger than the wavelength of visible light (about 400 to about 700 nm).In some embodiments the microdomain size is from about 1.0 to about 10um.

The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a stretch releasable PSA.Stretch releasable PSAs are PSAs that can be removed from a substrate ifthey are stretched at or nearly at a zero degree angle. In someembodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide or a stretch release PSA usedin the viscoelastic lightguide has a shear storage modulus of less thanabout 10 MPa when measured at 1 rad/sec and −17° C., or from about 0.03to about 10 MPa when measured at 1 rad/sec and −17° C. Stretchreleasable PSAs may be used if disassembling, reworking, or recycling isdesired.

In some embodiments, the stretch releasable PSA may comprise asilicone-based PSA as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,521 B1 (Sheridanet al.) or U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/020423 (63934US002,Sherman et al.) and 61/036501 (64151US002, Determan et al.). Suchsilicone-based PSAs include compositions of an MQ tackifying resin and asilicone polymer. For example, the stretch releasable PSA may comprisean MQ tackifying resin and an elastomeric silicone polymer selected fromthe group consisting of urea-based silicone copolymers, oxamide-basedsilicone copolymers, amide-based silicone copolymers, urethane-basedsilicone copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the stretch releasable PSA may comprise anacrylate-based PSA as described in U.S. Provisional Application Nos.61/141767 (64418US002, Yamanaka et al.) and 61/141827 (64935US002, Tranet al.) Such acrylate-based PSAs include compositions of an acrylate, aninorganic particle and a crosslinker. These PSAs can be a single ormultilayer.

The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise an aerogel. An aerogel is alow-density solid state material derived from gel in which the liquidcomponent of the gel has been replaced with air. Silica, alumina andcarbon aerogels are exemplary aerogels that may be used.

The viscoelastic lightguide can optionally include one or more additivessuch as filler, particles, plasticizers, chain transfer agents,initiators, antioxidants, stabilizers, fire retardants, viscositymodifying agents, foaming agents, antistats, colorants such as dyes andpigments, fluorescent dyes and pigments, phosphorescent dyes andpigments, fibrous reinforcing agents, and woven and non-woven fabrics.

The viscoelastic lightguide may be made hazy and/or diffusive byincluding particles such as nanoparticles (diameter less than about 1um), microspheres (diameter 1 um or greater), or fibers. Exemplarynanoparticles include TiO₂. Haze and diffusive properties can also beincorporated into the viscoelastic lightguide by incorporating bubblesinto the lightguide. The bubbles may have a diameter of from about 0.01to about 1 um. Bubbles may be introduced by adding, e.g., foamingagents. Examples of additional additives that may be added to theviscoelastic lightguide include glass beads, reflective particles, andconductive particles. In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguidemay comprise a PSA matrix and particles as described in U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/097685 (64740US002, Sherman et al.), comprising anoptically clear PSA and silicon resin particles having a refractiveindex less than that of the PSA, and incorporated herein by reference.In some embodiments, the presence of particles, bubbles, air, etc.increases the scatter and uniformity of light.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide provides an image. Animage may be made by structuring a surface of the lightguide asdescribed above. For example, surface 176 of FIG. 1 d may be structuredto provide the image. An image may be made by including or embeddingmaterial such as particles in the viscoelastic lightguide. The image mayalso be made by forming an image on a surface of the lightguide, e.g.,on surface 176. More than one surface of the lightguide may comprise animage. Surfaces of the viscoelastic lightguide may be imaged by printingor marking, e.g., by inkjet printing, laser printing, electrostaticprinting and the like. Images may be monochrome such as black and white,or they may be colored. The materials used to form the images mayreflect all or some light within a particular range of wavelengths,e.g., in the visible region. The materials used to form the images mayfunction as color filters allowing light within a particular range ofwavelengths, e.g., in the visible region, to be transmitted. Exemplarymaterials include colorants such as pigments and dyes.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide provides an image byfrom holes in the lightguide. Holes may be made, e.g., by drillingthrough the lightguide.

The optical device comprises a retroreflective film. In general, aretroreflective film is suitable for retroreflecting light if lightincident upon the film is reflected back in one or more usefuldirections relative to the direction of the incident light. Light may bereflected back in a direction that is 180° or nearly 180° from that ofthe incident light. Light may be reflected back in one or moredirections that are anywhere between about 45° and about 180° relativeto the direction of the incident light.

In general, light can be retroreflected meaning that the light can bereflected by refraction or reflected by diffraction. Light is reflectedby refraction in the embodiments described thus far. In any of theseembodiments, surfaces of the retroreflective film may be structured withdiffraction gratings such that the light is reflected by diffraction.For example, lower structured surface 167 of retroreflective film 165shown in FIG. 1 c may have a relief pattern of diffraction gratingfeatures arranged to provide a holographic image.

The retroreflective film may have opposing major surfaces that aresubstantially unstructured, structured with a plurality of features, ora combination thereof. In FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, both major surfaces 141 and142 of retroreflective film 140 are structured with a plurality offeatures, and in FIG. 1 c, lower structured surface 167 ofretroreflective film 165 is structured, and upper structured surface 166at interface 168 is not. A surface of the retroreflective film maycomprise any one of the plurality of features described above for theviscoelastic lightguide.

Light extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide may or may not betransmitted into the retroreflective film. In some embodiments, theretroreflective film comprises a transparent material into which atleast some of the extracted light is transmitted. In some embodiments,the retroreflective film comprises a metal such that the extracted lightis not actually extracted; rather the light strikes the interfacebetween the lightguide and the metallic retroreflective film.

In some embodiments, the retroreflective film comprises a holographicfilm. The holographic film may be a layer of a light transmissivethermoplastic polymer wherein a lower surface of the layer has beenembossed to form a plurality of features or relief pattern arranged toprovide a holographic image. For example, lower structured surface 167of retroreflective film 165 as shown in FIG. 1 c may be an embossedsurface having a relief pattern for providing a holographic image. Therelief pattern may be coated with a reflective layer such as atransparent or nontransparent metal. In the front lit configuration,light from the viscoelastic layer is transmitted through the embossedlayer and retroreflected by the reflective layer.

The retroreflective film may comprise retroreflective sheeting sometimesreferred to as prismatic sheeting. FIG. 2 shows a schematic crosssection of exemplary optical device 200 having a front litconfiguration. Retroreflective sheeting 240 comprises body layer 241 onwhich cube corner film 242 is disposed. Cube corner film 242 comprises aplurality of cube cornered features with each feature formed by threeconverging faces. The features may be truncated cube cornered features.The features typically have a height of from about 20 to about 500 um.Sealing film 243 is adhered to portions of the body layer such thatcells, for example, hexagonally shaped cells, of cube corner elementsare formed. The sealing film maintains an air interface with the cubecorner elements such that retroreflectivity is enhanced. This type ofsheeting is employed in many traffic safety and personal safety articlessuch as road signs, barricades, license plates, pavement markers andmarking tape, as well as retroreflective tapes for vehicles andclothing. Exemplary retroreflective sheeting is described in U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/107586 filed on Oct. 22, 2008(64846US002, Smith et al.); U.S. 2007/0242356 A1 (Thakkar et al.); U.S.6,280,822 B1 (Smith et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,235 (Smith et al.), andU.S. Pat. No. 5,784,197 (Frey et al.); all of which are incorporatedherein by reference. Exemplary retroreflective sheeting is available as3M™ Diamond Grade™ Reflective Sheeting and 3M™ Diamond Grade™Fluorescent Reflective Sheeting, both from 3M™ Company.

The body layer may comprise a light transmissive layer such as a lighttransmissive polymeric film, the cube corner elements may comprise astructured reflective film such as a structured polymeric film with ametal coating, and the sealing film may comprise a polymeric materialtypically comprising particles such as metal oxide particles.

Variations of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 may be employed. Forexample, the retroreflective film may comprise cube corner film 242disposed on body layer 241 without sealing film 243. For anotherexample, the retroreflective film may comprise a cube corner filmwithout the body layer and/or the sealing layer.

In general, the retroreflective film is dimensionally stable, durable,weatherable and flexible so that it can be formed into a desired threedimensional shape.

The thickness of the retroreflective film is not particularly limited aslong as it can function as desired. Exemplary thicknesses for theretroreflective film range from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil, fromabout 1 mil to about 300 mil, from about 1 mil to about 60 mil, or fromabout 0.5 mil to about 30 mil.

The retroreflective film, i.e., the sealing film, may have a refractiveindex of from about 1.45 to about 1.65. Materials include plastics suchas PLEXIGLAS from Rohm and Haas Co., and polymers of alkylene oxides,vinyl ethers, (meth)acrylates such as polymethylmethacrylate andethylene/acrylic acids, celluloses, cellulose acetates such as celluloseacetate butyrate and ethylene/vinyl acetates, as well as polyolefins,polyesters, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, epoxies, polyvinylalcohols,natural and synthetic rubbers, polyacetals, polyacrylonitriles,polycaprolactams, aromatic polysiloxanes, polystyrenes,polyvinylchlorides and nylons. The retroreflective film may comprisecolorants such as particles, dyes or pigments, UV stabilizers and thelike.

Given a particular combination of viscoelastic lightguide andretroreflective film, the amount of light retroreflected may be greaterthan about 10%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 30%, greaterthan about 40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greaterthan about 70%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 90%relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide. Givena particular combination of viscoelastic lightguide and retroreflectivefilm, the amount of light retroreflected may be from about 10 to about50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about 30 to about 50%, from about50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, or from about 10 to about90% relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.

The optical articles of the optical devices described herein can be usedin a variety of multilayer constructions depending on the particularapplication. FIG. 3 a shows a schematic cross section of exemplaryoptical device 300 which includes optical article 301 and light source105. In this front lit configuration, viscoelastic lightguide 110 iscloser to the viewer as indicated by eye 120. Light source 105 ispositioned relative to viscoelastic lightguide 110 such that lightemitted by the light source enters viscoelastic lightguide 110 and istransported within the layer by total internal reflection. Opticalarticle 301 comprises retroreflective sheeting 240. In general, anyretroreflective film described herein can be used in place ofretroreflective sheeting 240, for example, retroreflective film 140 canbe used. Optical article 301 comprises first optional layer 305.

The first optional layer may be designed to interfere or not interferewith the behavior of light being extracted from the viscoelasticlightguide and/or retroreflected by the retroreflective film. The firstoptional layer may have opposing major surfaces that are substantiallyunstructured, structured with a plurality of features, or a combinationthereof.

The thickness of the first optional layer is not limited as long as theoptical device can function as desired. Exemplary thicknesses for thefirst optional layer range from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil.

The first optional layer may have a variety of light transmittance andhaze properties. In some embodiments, the first optional layer comprisesan optically clear substrate having high light transmittance of fromabout 80 to about 100%, from about 90 to about 100%, from about 95 toabout 100%, or from about 98 to about 100% over at least a portion ofthe visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the first optionallayer has low light transmittance, for example, from about 0.1 to about70%, from about 0.1 to about 50%, or from about 0.1 to about 20%. Insome embodiments, the first optional layer has a haze value of fromabout 0.01 to less than about 5%, from about 0.01 to less than about 3%,or from about 0.01 to less than about 1%. In some embodiments, the firstoptional layer is hazy and diffuses light, particularly visible light. Ahazy first optional layer may have a haze value of from about 5 to about90%, from about 5 to about 50%, or from about 20 to about 50%. In someembodiments, the first optional layer is translucent in that it reflectsand transmits light.

In some embodiments, the first optional layer comprises a polymericfilm. Useful polymeric films include cellulose acetate,poly(meth)acrylate (acrylate and/or methacrylate), polyether sulfone,polyurethane, polyester, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate,polyvinyl chloride, syndiotactic polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer,polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, copolymer or blendbased on naphthalene dicarboxylic acids, or some combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the first optional layer comprises apoly(meth)acrylate having a refractive index greater than that of theviscoelastic lightguide.

The first optional layer may comprise glass which generally comprises ahard, brittle, amorphous solid, including, soda-lime glass, borosilicateglass, acrylic glass, sugar glass, and the like.

FIG. 3 b shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device 320which includes optical article 321 and light source 105. In this frontlit configuration, viscoelastic lightguide 110 is closer to the vieweras indicated by eye 120. Light source 105 is positioned relative toviscoelastic lightguide 110 such that light emitted by the light sourceenters viscoelastic lightguide 110 and is transported within the layerby total internal reflection. Optical article 321 comprisesretroreflective sheeting 240. In general, any retroreflective filmdescribed herein can be used in place of retroreflective sheeting 240,for example, retroreflective film 140 can be used. Optical article 301comprises second optional layer 325 and third optional layer 330.

The second optional layer may be designed to interfere or not interferewith the behavior of light being extracted from the viscoelasticlightguide and/or retroreflected by the retroreflective film. The secondoptional layer may have opposing major surfaces 326 and 327 that aresubstantially unstructured, structured with a plurality of features, ora combination thereof. A surface of the second optional layer maycomprise any one of the plurality of features described above for theviscoelastic lightguide. For example, major surface 326 may havefeatures comprising lenses (as shown for surface 176 in FIG. 1 d) whichare particularly useful for directing light to a preferred angulardistribution.

The thickness of the second optional layer is not limited as long as theoptical device can function as desired. Exemplary thicknesses for thesecond optional layer range from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil.

The second optional layer may have a variety of light transmittance andhaze properties. In some embodiments, the second optional layercomprises an optically clear substrate having high light transmittanceof from about 80 to about 100%, from about 90 to about 100%, from about95 to about 100%, or from about 98 to about 100% over at least a portionof the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the second optionallayer has low light transmittance, for example, from about 0.1 to about70%, from about 0.1 to about 50%, or from about 0.1 to about 20%. Insome embodiments, the second optional layer has a haze value of fromabout 0.01 to less than about 5%, from about 0.01 to less than about 3%,or from about 0.01 to less than about 1%. In some embodiments, thesecond optional layer is hazy and diffuses light, particularly visiblelight. A hazy second optional layer may have a haze value of from about5 to about 90%, from about 5 to about 50%, or from about 20 to about50%. In some embodiments, the second optional layer is translucent inthat it reflects and transmits light.

In some embodiments, the second optional layer comprises a polymericfilm. Useful polymeric films include cellulose acetate,poly(meth)acrylate (acrylate and/or methacrylate), polyether sulfone,polyurethane, polyester, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate,polyvinyl chloride, syndiotactic polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer,polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, copolymer or blendbased on naphthalene dicarboxylic acids, or some combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the second optional layer comprises apoly(meth)acrylate having a refractive index greater than that of theviscoelastic lightguide.

The second optional layer may comprise glass which generally comprises ahard, brittle, amorphous solid, including, soda-lime glass, borosilicateglass, acrylic glass, sugar glass, and the like.

The second optional layer may comprise a release liner. Release linerstypically have a low adhesion surface for contact with an adhesivelayer. Release liners may comprise paper such as Kraft paper, orpolymeric films such as poly(vinyl chloride), polyester, polyolefin,cellulose acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and the like.The release liner may be coated with a layer of a release agent such asa silicone-containing material or a fluorocarbon-containing material.The release liner may comprise paper or a polymeric film coated withpolyethylene which is coated with a silicone-containing material.Exemplary release liners include liners commercially available from CPFilms Inc. under the trade designations “T-30” and “T-10” that have asilicone release coating on polyethylene terephthalate film.

Exemplary release liners include structured release liners. Exemplaryrelease liners include any of those referred to as microstructuredrelease liners. Microstructured release liners are used to impart amicrostructure on the surface of an adhesive layer. The microstructuredsurface can aid air egress between the adhesive layer and the adjacentlayer. In general, it is desirable that the microstructure disappearover time to prevent interference with optical properties.Microstructures are generally three-dimensional structures that aremicroscopic in at least two dimensions (i.e., the topical and/orcross-sectional view is microscopic). The term “microscopic” as usedherein refers to dimensions that are difficult to resolve by the humaneye without aid of a microscope.

The microstructures may assume a variety of shapes. Representativeexamples include hemispheres, prisms (such as square prisms, rectangularprisms, cylindrical prisms and other similar polygonal features),pyramids, ellipses, grooves (e.g., V-grooves), channels, and the like.In some cases, it may be desirable to include topographical featuresthat promote air egress at the bonding interface when the article islaminated to a substrate. In this regard, V-grooves and channels thatcan extend to the edge of the article are particularly useful. Theparticular dimensions and patterns characterizing the microstructuresare selected based upon the specific application for which the articleis intended. Another example of useful microstructures are described inUS 2007/0292650 A1 (Suzuki) wherein the microstructured adhesive layersurface has one or more grooves that exist only in an inner area of thesurface and are not open at side surfaces of the layer. These groovesmay be in the form of a straight line, branched straight lines, cross,circle, oval, or polygon as viewed from above, and where each form maybe composed of plural discontinuous grooves. These grooves may have awidth of from 5 to 100 micrometers and a depth of from 5 to 50micrometers.

In some embodiments, the second optional layer may be used to provide animage. A variety of different constructions of the viscoelasticlightguide and the second optional layer may be made to provide animage. The second optional layer may comprise an image printed on eitherside of the layer, or the image may be embedded in the layer. The imagemay comprise one or more materials different from that of the secondoptional layer; the one or more materials may be in regions of the layerwherein the regions are arranged to provide the image. The regions aredesigned to reflect light or transmit light within a particular range ofwavelengths depending on the particular imaging materials.

Imaging materials may be deposited by printing or marking, e.g., byinkjet printing, laser printing, electrostatic printing and the like.Images may be monochrome such as black and white images, or they may becolored images. Images may comprise one or more colors throughout, e.g.,a uniform layer of color. Images that provide a general or customsurface may be used. For example, an image may be designed such that theoptical article appears as plastic, metal or wood grain; fabric,leather, non-woven, etc. The image may also comprise white dots whichmay be disposed on a surface or interface. The white dots may bearranged as described for extraction features of conventional solidlightguides, e.g., as described in US 2008/232135 A1 (Kinder et al.).Useful imaging materials include those that reflect all or some lightwithin a particular range of wavelengths. Useful imaging materialsinclude those that transmit all or some light within a particular rangeof wavelengths. Exemplary imaging materials include colorants such aspigments and dyes. Imaging materials may also comprise photoniccrystals.

The third optional layer may be a reflector that reflects light beingretroreflected by the retroreflective film. In some embodiments, thereflector comprises a specular reflector wherein the reflection angle oflight is within about 16° of the incident angle. A specular reflectormay be fully or near fully specular as a reflector over some range ofincident angles. Also, specular reflectors may be from about 85 to about100% reflective, from about 90 to about 100%, or from about 95 to about100%, across a particular region of the electromagnetic spectrum, forexample, the visible region. Suitable specular reflectors includemirrors such as a plane mirrors comprising a film of reflectingmaterial, typically a metal, coated on glass.

In some embodiments, the reflector comprises a diffuse reflector whereinlight incident upon the reflector is reflected and scattered at asurface of the diffuse reflector. For a diffuse reflector, light of agiven incident angle reflects with multiple reflection angles wherein atleast some of the reflection angles are greater than about 16° of theincident angle. A diffuse reflector may be fully or near fullyreflective over some range of incident angles. Also, diffuse reflectorsmay be from about 85 to about 100% reflective, from about 90 to about100%, or from about 95 to about 100%, across a particular region of theelectromagnetic spectrum, for example, the visible region. The diffusereflector may comprise a layer of organic, inorganic or hybridorganic/inorganic particles disposed on a substrate. The particles maybe dispersed in a polymeric material or binder. For example, the diffusereflector may comprise a layer of barium sulfate particles loaded in apolyethylene terephalate film.

The third optional layer may comprise a multilayer optical film havingfrom about 10 to about 10,000 alternating layers of first and secondpolymer layers wherein the polymer layers comprise polyesters. Themultilayer optical film may comprise a three-quarter mirror. Themultilayer optical film may comprise a mirror. The multilayer opticalfilm may comprise a reflective film, a polarizer film, a reflectivepolarizer film, a diffuse blend reflective polarizer film, a diffuserfilm, a brightness enhancing film or a turning film. Exemplarymultilayer optical films are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,825,543;5,828,488 (Ouderkirk et al.); 5,867,316; 5,882,774; 6,179,948 B1(Merrill et al.); 6,352,761 B1; 6,368,699 B1; 6,927,900 B2; 6,827,886(Neavin et al.); 6,972,813 B1 (Toyooka); 6,991,695; 2006/0084780 A1(Hebrink et al.); 2006/0216524 A1; 2006/0226561 A1 (Merrill et al.);2007/0047080 A1 (Stover et al.); WO 95/17303; WO 95/17691; WO 95/17692;WO 95/17699; WO 96/19347; WO 97/01440; WO 99/36248; and WO 99/36262.Exemplary specular reflectors include those available from 3M™ Company,for example, 3M™ High Intensity Grade Reflective Products such as HighReflective Visible Mirror Film and High Transmission Mirror Film, andVikuiti™ films such as Vikuiti™ Enhanced Specular Reflector.

The third optional layer may comprise aluminum.

The third optional layer may comprise a nanofoam which typicallycomprises a nanostructured, porous material containing pores withdiameters of less than about 100 nm. For example, the third optionallayer may comprise an aerogel which is a low-density solid statematerial derived from gel in which the liquid component of the gel hasbeen replaced with air. Silica, alumina and carbon aerogels areexemplary aerogels that may be used. The third optional layer maycomprise a low refractive index material such as a polymer film filledwith white particles.

Back Lit Configuration

FIG. 4 a shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device400. This embodiment is an example of a back lit configuration in whichviscoelastic lightguide 110 is behind retroreflective film 140 orfarther than the retroreflective film to the viewer as indicated by eye120. Exemplary optical device 400 further comprises retroreflective film140 having upper structured surface 141 and lower structured surface142. Light propagating within the viscoelastic lightguide may beextracted, as shown by ray 405, from the lightguide and transmittedthrough retroreflective film 140.

In the back lit configuration, the viscoelastic lightguide may not be indirect contact with the retroreflective film. One or more layers may bedisposed between the viscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflectivefilm depending on the desired effect. Embodiments in which theviscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film are not in contactare described below.

In the back lit configuration, the viscoelastic lightguide may be indirect contact with the retroreflective film. FIG. 4 b shows a schematiccross section of exemplary optical device 410 having a back litconfiguration. In this embodiment, viscoelastic lightguide 110 is indirect contact with retroreflective film 240, particularly with sealingfilm 243 of the retroreflective film.

In the back lit configuration, the viscoelastic lightguide may haveopposing major surfaces that are substantially unstructured, structuredwith a plurality of features, or one major surface may be substantiallyunstructured and the other structured with a plurality of features. Astructured surface of the viscoelastic lightguide used in the back litconfiguration may comprise any of the structured surfaces describedabove for the front lit configuration, i.e., a structured surface of theviscoelastic lightguide used in the back lit configuration may comprisea plurality of features, the features having shapes, sizes, combinationsof shapes and sizes, surface structures, etc. as described above for theviscoelastic lightguide used in the front lit configuration. Further,the number and arrangement of features for a structured surface of aviscoelastic lightguide in the back lit configuration may be the same asthose described above for the front lit configuration. As describedabove for the front lit configuration, the shapes and/or sizes of thefeatures may change the amount and/or distribution of light that isextracted from the viscoelastic layer.

As described above for the front lit configuration, the viscoelasticlightguide used in the back lit configuration is generally in contactwith at least one medium such as air or a substrate such as theretroreflective film, polymeric film, metal, glass, and/or fabric.Particular substrates are described below for a variety of exemplaryconstructions. For the purpose of convenience, a viscoelastic lightguidein contact with a substrate is described below, but this substrate maycomprise any type of medium including air. Given a particularretroreflective film or substrate in contact with the viscoelasticlightguide, the amount of light extracted from the lightguide and by thesubstrate may be from about 10 to about 50%, from about 20 to about 50%,from about 30 to about 50%, from about 50 to about 70%, from about 50 toabout 80%, or from about 10 to about 90% relative to the total amount oflight that enters the lightguide. The transmittance angle for lightextracted from the viscoelastic lightguide by the retroreflective filmor substrate may be from greater than about 5° to less than about 95°,greater than about 5° to less than about 60°, or greater than about 5°to less than about 30°.

In the back lit configuration, the viscoelastic lightguide may have arefractive index greater than that of the retroreflective film or thesubstrate. The refractive index of the viscoelastic lightguide may begreater than about 0.002, greater than about 0.005, greater than about0.01, greater than about 0.02, greater than about 0.03, greater thanabout 0.04, greater than about 0.05, greater than about 0.1, greaterthan about 0.2, greater than about 0.3, greater than about 0.4, orgreater than about 0.5, as compared to the refractive index of theretroreflective film or substrate. The viscoelastic lightguide may havea refractive index less than that of the retroreflective film orsubstrate. The refractive index of the viscoelastic lightguide may beless than about 0.002, less than about 0.005, less than about 0.01, lessthan about 0.02, less than about 0.03, less than about 0.04, less thanabout 0.05, less than about 0.1, less than about 0.2, less than about0.3, less than about 0.4, or less than about 0.5, as compared to therefractive index of the retroreflective film or substrate. Theviscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film or substrate mayhave the same or nearly the same refractive index such that light can beextracted into the retroreflective film or substrate with little or nochange to the light. The refractive index difference of the viscoelasticlightguide and the retroreflective film or substrate may be from about0.001 to less than about 0.002. The refractive index difference of theviscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film or substrate may befrom about 0.002 to about 0.5, from about 0.005 to about 0.5, from about0.01 to about 0.5, from about 0.02 to about 0.5, from about 0.03 toabout 0.5, from about 0.04 to about 0.5, from about 0.05 to about 0.5,from about 0.1 to about 0.5, from about 0.2 to about 0.5, from about 0.3to about 0.5, or from about 0.4 to about 0.5.

In the back lit configuration, the viscoelastic lightguide may have anybulk three-dimensional shape as is needed for a given application. Theviscoelastic lightguide may be in the form of a square or rectangularlayer, sheet, film, etc. The viscoelastic lightguide may be cut ordivided into shapes as described below.

In the back lit configuration, the thickness of the viscoelasticlightguide is not particularly limited as long as it can function asdesired. As described above for the front lit configuration, thethickness of the viscoelastic lightguide used in the back litconfiguration may be selected based on or in conjunction with the lightsource. Exemplary thicknesses for the viscoelastic lightguide in theback lit configuration range from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil, fromabout 1 mil to about 300 mil, from about 1 mil to about 60 mil, or fromabout 0.5 mil to about 30 mil.

As described above for the front lit configuration, the amount anddirection of light extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide in theback lit configuration may be controlled, at the very least, by theshape, size, number, arrangement, etc. of the features, the refractiveindices of the viscoelastic lightguide and any medium with which thelightguide is in contact, the shape and size of the viscoelasticlightguide, and the angular distribution of light that is allowed toenter the viscoelastic lightguide. These variables may be selected suchthat from about 10 to about 50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about30 to about 50%, from about 50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%,or from about 10 to about 90% of light is extracted from theviscoelastic lightguide relative to the total amount of light thatenters the lightguide.

The viscoelastic lightguide used in the back lit configuration comprisesone or more viscoelastic materials. Useful viscoelastic materials aredescribed above for the viscoelastic lightguide used in the front litconfiguration. The viscoelastic lightguide used in the back litconfiguration can optionally include one or more additives as describedabove.

Retroreflective films described above for the front lit configurationare suitable for use in the back lit configuration.

In the back lit configuration, given a particular combination ofviscoelastic lightguide and retroreflective film, the amount of lighttransmitted through the retroreflective film may be greater than about10%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 30%, greater than about40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about70%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 90% relative to thetotal amount of light that enters the lightguide. Given a particularcombination of viscoelastic lightguide and retroreflective film, theamount of light transmitted through the retroreflective film may be fromabout 10 to about 50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about 30 toabout 50%, from about 50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, orfrom about 10 to about 90% relative to the total amount of light thatenters the lightguide.

In general, the viscoelastic lightguide used in the back litconfiguration is adapted to receive at least some light emitted by thelight source. In some embodiments, a specially designed input surfacemay not be needed because the light source can be pressed into theviscoelastic lightguide such that optical coupling occurs. In someembodiments, the light source may stick to the viscoelastic lightguide,for example, if the lightguide comprises a PSA. In some embodiments, thelight source may be embedded in the viscoelastic lightguide. Asdescribed above for the front lit configuration, the viscoelasticlightguide may comprise an input surface adapted to receive light fromthe light source, or an extractor article or coupling material may beused to facilitate optical coupling with at least some of the lightemitted by the light source.

In the back lit configuration, the light source and the means by whichit is powered may be the same as those described above for the front litconfiguration.

The optical articles of the optical devices described herein can be usedin a variety of multilayer constructions depending on the particularapplication. FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross section of exemplary opticaldevice 500 which includes optical article 501 and light source 105. Inthis back lit configuration, viscoelastic lightguide 110 is farther fromthe viewer as indicated by eye 120. Light source 105 is positionedrelative to viscoelastic lightguide 110 such that light emitted by thelight source enters viscoelastic lightguide 110 and is transportedwithin the layer by total internal reflection. Optical article 501comprises retroreflective sheeting 240. In general, any retroreflectivefilm described herein can be used in place of retroreflective sheeting240, for example, retroreflective film 140 can be used. Optical article501 comprises first optional layer 505, second optional layer 510 andthird optional layer 515.

In the back lit configuration, the first and/or second optional layersmay be designed to interfere or not interfere with the behavior of lightbeing extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide and/or transmittedthrough the retroreflective film. The first and/or second optionallayers may have opposing major surfaces that are substantiallyunstructured, structured with a plurality of features, or a combinationthereof. For example, major surface 511 may have features comprisinglenses (as shown for surface 176 in FIG. 1 d) which are particularlyuseful for directing light to a preferred angular distribution.

The thicknesses of the first and/or second optional layer are notlimited as long as the optical device can function as desired. Exemplarythicknesses for the first and/or second optional layers range from about0.4 mil to about 1000 mil.

The first and/or second optional layers may have a variety of lighttransmittance and haze properties. In some embodiments, the firstoptional layer comprises an optically clear substrate having high lighttransmittance of from about 80 to about 100%, from about 90 to about100%, from about 95 to about 100%, or from about 98 to about 100% overat least a portion of the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments,the first optional layer has low light transmittance, for example, fromabout 0.1 to about 70%, from about 0.1 to about 50%, or from about 0.1to about 20%. In some embodiments, the first optional layer has a hazevalue of from about 0.01 to less than about 5%, from about 0.01 to lessthan about 3%, or from about 0.01 to less than about 1%. In someembodiments, the first optional layer is hazy and diffuses light,particularly visible light. A hazy first optional layer may have a hazevalue of from about 5 to about 90%, from about 5 to about 50%, or fromabout 20 to about 50%. In some embodiments, the first optional layer istranslucent in that it reflects and transmits light.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second optional layer comprises apolymeric film. Useful polymeric films include cellulose acetate,poly(meth)acrylate (acrylate and/or methacrylate), polyether sulfone,polyurethane, polyester, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate,polyvinyl chloride, syndiotactic polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer,polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, copolymer or blendbased on naphthalene dicarboxylic acids, or some combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the first optional layer comprises apoly(meth)acrylate having a refractive index greater than that of theviscoelastic lightguide.

The first and/or second optional layer may comprise glass whichgenerally comprises a hard, brittle, amorphous solid, including,soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, acrylic glass, sugar glass, and thelike.

The second optional layer may comprise a release liner as describedabove.

In some embodiments, the second optional layer may be used to provide animage as described above. In some embodiments, the second optional layermay be an adhesive. Useful adhesives include optically clear adhesives,optically diffuse adhesives, radiation cured adhesives, thermal curedadhesives, hot melt adhesives, cold seal adhesives, heat activatedadhesives, adhesives that cure at room temperature.

In the back lit configuration, the third optional layer may be areflector that reflects light being transported within the viscoelasticlightguide. Useful reflectors comprise specular and diffuse reflectors.The third optional layer may comprise a multilayer optical film.

The third optional layer may comprise a nanofoam which typicallycomprises a nanostructured, porous material containing pores withdiameters of less than about 100 nm. For example, the third optionallayer may comprise an aerogel which is a low-density solid statematerial derived from gel in which the liquid component of the gel hasbeen replaced with air. Silica, alumina and carbon aerogels areexemplary aerogels that may be used. The third optional layer maycomprise a low refractive index material such as a polymer film filledwith white particles.

Front and Back Lit Configurations

In both front and back configurations, the viscoelastic lightguide isadapted to receive at least some light emitted by the light source. Insome embodiments, a specially designed input surface may not be neededbecause the light source can be pressed into the viscoelastic lightguidesuch that optical coupling occurs. In some embodiments, the light sourcemay stick to the viscoelastic lightguide, for example, if the lightguidecomprises a PSA. In some embodiments, the light source may be embeddedin the viscoelastic lightguide.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide comprises an inputsurface adapted to receive light from the light source. The inputsurface may have a variety of topographies depending on the opticalcoupling means and/or the particular light source. The input surface mayhave an appropriate curvature. The input edge comprising the inputsurface may have a particular cavity, for example a concavehemispherical cavity, to receive a convex lens of a light source.Alternately, the input surface may have refractive structures such asprisms or lenses to optically couple light from the light source intothe viscoelastic lightguide.

In some embodiments, an extractor article disposed between the lightsource and the input edge may be used to facilitate optical couplingwith at least some of the light emitted by the light source. Usefulextractor articles may have an appropriate curvature for extractinglight from the light source. A coupling material for matching refractiveindices of the viscoelastic lightguide and some element of the lightsource may be used. A crosslinkable material may be used for attachingthe viscoelastic lightguide to some part of the light source, andsubsequently cured using heat and/or light to form the crosslinkedmaterial.

The coupling material may comprise silicone gel. The silicone gel may becrosslinked. The silicone gel may be mixed with a silicone oil. Thesilicone gel may comprise one or more silicone materials such as, forexample, dimethylsilicone, diphenylsilicone, or phenylmethylsilicone.The silicone gel may comprise phenylmethylsilicone moieties that arecross-linked. The silicone gel may comprise phenylmethylsiliconemoieties which are cross-linked and phenylmethylsilicone oil. Thesilicone gel may comprise phenylmethylsilicone moieties which arecross-linked and phenylmethylsilicone oil in a weight ratio from 0.2:1to 5:1. The silicone gel may comprise crosslinked phenylmethylsilicone.Exemplary use of silicone gels is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,418(DiZio et al.) incorporated herein by reference.

In both front and back configurations, the light source may be opticallycoupled to the viscoelastic lightguide such that at least some of thelight from the light source can enter the lightguide. For example, alight source may be optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguidesuch that from about 1 to about 10%, from about 1 to about 20%, fromabout 1 to about 30%, from about 1 to about 40%, from about 1 to about50%, from about 1 to about 100%, from about 1 to about 100%, from about50 to about 100%, or from about 1 to about 100% of light emitted by thelight source enters the viscoelastic lightguide. The light source mayemit light having a random or a particular angular distribution.

The light source may comprise any suitable light source. Exemplary lightsources include linear light sources such as cold cathode fluorescentlamps and point light sources such as light emitting diode (LEDs).Exemplary light sources also include organic light-emitting devices(OLEDs), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, halogen lamps, UV bulbs,infrared sources, near-infrared sources, lasers, or chemical lightsources. In general, the light emitted by the light source may bevisible or invisible. At least one light source may be used. Forexample, from 1 to about 10,000 light sources may be used. The lightsource may comprise a row of LEDs positioned at or near an edge of theviscoelastic lightguide. The light source may comprise LEDs arranged ona circuit such that light emitted from the LEDs lights up continuouslyor uniformly the viscoelastic lightguide throughout a desired area. Thelight source may comprise LEDs that emit light of different colors suchthat the colors can mix within the viscoelastic lightguide. In this way,a graphic could be designed to appear differently at different timesduring its use.

The light source may be powered by any suitable means. The light sourcemay be powered using a battery, a DC power supply, an AC to DC powersupply, an AC power supply, or a solar photovoltaic cell.

The viscoelastic lightguide may be made using any method or processcommonly used for making viscoelastic articles. Typical processescomprise those that are continuous processes such as continuous cast andcure, extrusion, microreplication, and embossing methods. Various typesof radiation may be used for processes in which a material needs to becured, e.g., crosslinked. Conventional molding processes may also beused. Molds may be made by micro-machining and polishing of a moldmaterial to create the desired features, structured surfaces, etc. Laserablation may be used to structure a surface of the viscoelasticlightguide and molds. Further detailed description of these processes isdescribed in the Sherman et al. references cited above.

Optical articles comprising the viscoelastic lightguide andretroreflective film may be made in a number of ways. In someembodiments, the lightguide and retroreflective film may be madeseparately, contacted and pressed together using finger pressure, a handroller, an embosser or a laminator. In some embodiments, theretroreflective film may be formed on the viscoelastic lightguide bycoating a retroreflective film material on the lightguide. Theretroreflective film material may then be treated to form theretroreflective film. For example, the retroreflective film material maybe extruded onto the viscoelastic lightguide in the form of a layer andcooled to solidify the material to form the retroreflective film.Alternatively, the retroreflective film material may be curable andtreated by heating and/or applying radiation to form the retroreflectivefilm. The retroreflective film material may include solvent and theretroreflective film is formed by removing the solvent.

In some embodiments, the viscoelastic lightguide may be formed on theretroreflective film by coating a viscoelastic material on theretroreflective film. The viscoelastic material may then be treated toform the viscoelastic lightguide. For example, the viscoelastic materialmay be extruded onto the retroreflective film in the form of a layer andcooled to solidify the material to form the lightguide. Alternatively,the viscoelastic material may be curable and treated by heating and/orapplying radiation to form the lightguide. The viscoelastic material mayinclude solvent and the lightguide is formed by removing the solvent.

In cases where the retroreflective film material or the viscoelasticmaterial is curable, an optical article having a partially curedretroreflective film or lightguide, respectively, may be made. In caseswhere the retroreflective film material or the viscoelastic material iscurable, chemically curing materials may be used such that the materialis crosslinked. In cases where the retroreflective film material or theviscoelastic material is curable, the retroreflective film material maybe cured before, after and/or during contact with another material orthe light source.

In cases where the retroreflective film material or the viscoelasticmaterial is curable using light, the light source may be opticallycoupled to the material and curing carried out by injecting light fromthe light source.

A retroreflective film may be used to structure a surface of theviscoelastic lightguide, e.g., the viscoelastic lightguide may not bestructured by itself, rather, it becomes structured when contacted witha structured surface of a retroreflective film. It is also possible forthe viscoelastic lightguide to have a structured surface such that itdeforms a surface of a retroreflective film to create the interface.

The optical articles and optical devices disclosed herein may beprovided in any number of ways. The optical articles and optical devicesmay be provided as sheets or strips laid flat, or they can be rolled upto form a roll. The optical articles and optical devices may be packagedas single items, or in multiples, in sets, etc. The optical articles andlight sources may be provided in an assembled form, i.e., as an opticaldevice. The optical articles and light sources may be provided as kitswherein the two are separate from each other and assembled at some pointby the user. The optical articles and light sources may also be providedseparately such that they can be mixed and matched according to theneeds of the user. The optical articles and optical devices may betemporarily or permanently assembled to light up.

The optical articles disclosed herein may be altered depending on aparticular use. For example, the optical articles can be cut or dividedby any suitable means, e.g., using a scissors or a die cutting method. Aparticularly useful die cutting method is described in U.S. ProvisionalSer. No. 61/046813 (64033US002, Sherman et al.) incorporated herein byreference. The optical articles and devices may be cut or divided intodifferent shapes such as alphabetic letters; numbers; geometric shapessuch as squares, rectangles, triangles, stars and the like.

The optical articles and optical devices may be used for signage such asfor graphic arts applications. The optical articles and optical devicesmay be used on or in windows, walls, wallpaper, wall hangings, pictures,posters, billboards, pillars, doors, floormats, vehicles, or anywheresignage is used. Exemplary optical articles a may be used on curvedsurfaces as shown in FIG. 19 of 61/169973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009(64347US008, Sherman et al.).

The optical articles and optical devices may be double-sided such thatlight can be observed on both sides of a sign, marking, etc. FIG. 6shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device 600comprising optical article 601 and light sources 605 and 606. In thisembodiment, light is observable on both sides of the device as shown byeyes 620 and 621. First viscoelastic lightguides 610 and secondviscoelastic lightguide 611 are disposed on opposing sides of thirdoptional layer 650. First retroreflective film 640 is disposed on firstviscoelastic layer 610 opposite third optional layer 650. Likewise,second retroreflective film 641 is disposed on second viscoelastic layer611 opposite third optional layer 650.

Optical article 601 is an example of a double-sided graphic in whichgraphics on opposing sides of the third optional layer 650 have back litconfigurations. In general, optical articles may be designed to bedouble-sided for a variety of applications. A double-sided opticalarticle may have two back lit configurations, two front litconfigurations or a combination thereof.

The optical articles and devices may be used for safety purposeswherever light is desired. For example, the optical articles and devicesmay be used to illuminate one or more steps of a ladder, steps of astairway, aisles such as in airplanes and movie theatres, walkways,egress, handrails, work zone identification signs and markings. Anexemplary optical article for one of these applications is shown in FIG.20 of 61/169973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.).

The optical articles and optical devices may be used in a variety ofitems such as reading lights; party and holiday decorations such ashats, ornaments, string lighting, balloons, gift bags, greeting cards,wrapping paper; desk and computer accessories such as desk mats,mousepads, notepad holders, writing instruments; sporting items such asfishing lures; craft items such as knitting needles; personal items suchas toothbrushes; household and office items such as clock faces, wallplates for light switches, hooks, tools. An exemplary optical articlefor one of these applications is shown in FIG. 21 of 61/169973 filed onApr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.).

The optical articles and optical devices may be used on clothing andclothing accessories for decorative and/or safety purposes. For example,the optical articles and optical devices may be used on outerwear forcyclists, or on clothing or headgear for miners. For another example,the optical articles and optical devices may be used on or in straps andwristbands of watches, or on or in watch faces. An exemplary opticalarticle for one of these applications is shown in FIG. 22 of 61/169973filed on Apr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.).

The optical articles and optical devices may be used anywhere light isneeded or desired. The optical articles and optical devices may bedisposed on a top surface of a shelf such that light from the article ordevice, respectively, is emitted in an upward direction. Likewise, theoptical articles and optical devices may be disposed on a bottom surfaceof a shelf such that light from the article or device, respectively, isemitted in a downward direction. The optical articles and opticaldevices may also be disposed on or within a shelf having a lighttransmissive portion. The articles and devices may be arranged such thatlight is emitted from the light transmissive portion. An exemplaryoptical article for one of these applications is shown in FIG. 23 of61/169973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.).

The optical articles and devices may be used as flashlights. Forexample, optical articles and optical devices may be disposed on theoutside or inside of a battery cover plate or other part of anelectronic handheld device. The optical articles and optical devices mayor may not be hardwired to the electronic device's battery but couldhave its own power source. The electronic device's battery cover may ormay not be removable from the rest of the device comprising the display.

The optical articles and optical devices may be used for vehicles suchas automobiles, marine vehicles, buses, trucks, railcars, trailers,aircraft, and aerospace vehicles. The optical articles and devices maybe used on almost any surface of a vehicle including the exterior,interior, or any in-between surface. For example, the optical articlesand devices may be used to light up door handles on the exterior and/orinterior of a vehicle. The optical articles and devices may be used toilluminate trunk compartments, for example, they may be positioned onthe underside of the trunk lid or inside the compartment. The opticalarticles and devices may be used on bumpers, spoilers, floor boards,windows, on or as tail lights, sill plate lights, puddle lights,emergency flashers, center high mounted stop lights, or side lights andmarkers. The optical articles and devices may be used to illuminate theinside of engine compartments, for example, they may be positioned onthe underside of the hood, inside the compartment, or on an engine part.

The optical articles and devices may also be used on the edge surfacesof vehicular doors between the exterior and interior panels of thedoors. These optical articles and devices may be used to provide avariety of information for the user, manufacturer, etc. The opticalarticles and devices may be used to illuminate the instrument panel of avehicle where lighted areas are typically displayed. The opticalarticles and devices may be used on other interior items such ascupholders, consoles, handles, seats, doors, dashboards, headrests,steering wheels, wheels, portable lights, compasses, and the like. Theoptical articles and devices may be used on back or pass areas forreading light or to provide ambient lighting for inside a vehicle. FIG.24 61/169973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.). showsan exemplary automobile having optical articles 2400 and 2401.

The optical articles and optical devices may be used in the manufactureof an item or as a replacement part of an item. For example, the opticalarticles and optical devices may be sold to an automobile manufactureror automobile repair shop for assembly or repair of some specific partof an automobile. FIG. 25 of 61/169973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009(64347US008, Sherman et al.). shows an exemplary automobile having taillight 2500. An optical article or optical device (not shown) is disposedbehind the outside layer of the tail light which is typically red,yellow or clear plastic. The tail light may comprise a cavity with alight bulb or LED as a light source. An optical article or device may beused in the cavity as a replacement for the light source. Alternatively,the tail light may not comprise a cavity or at least comprise a muchsmaller cavity than is used in today's automobiles. An optical articleor optical device may be disposed behind or within the outside layer ofthe tail light such that the overall size of the tail light is reduced.

The optical articles and optical devices may be used for traffic safetysuch as for traffic signs, street signs, highway dividers and barriers,toll booths, pavement markings, and work zone identification signs andmarkings. The optical articles and devices may be used on license platesfor decoration, to provide information such as vehicle registration,etc. The optical articles and devices may also be used to provide lightnear license plates such that the license plates are lit up from theside, top, etc.

The optical articles and optical devices may be used with illuminationdevices comprising hollow light recycling cavities sometimes referred toas backlight assemblies. Backlight assemblies may be used for signage orgeneral lighting. Exemplary backlight assemblies are disclosed in WO2006/125174 (Hoffman et al.) and US 2008/0074901 (David et al.) allincorporated herein by reference. The optical articles and opticaldevices disclosed herein may be used to replace the light sourcesdescribed in these references.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross section of an exemplary backlightassembly 700. The backlight assembly comprises housing 705 having aplurality of internal surfaces 706 a-c and two opposing side surfaces707 a and b (not shown) substantially parallel to the plane of the crosssection. At least one of these internal surfaces 706 a-c and 707 a and bis reflective. Backlight assembly 700 also comprises light sources 710positioned along the bottom of the assembly, however, the light sourcesmay also be positioned along any of the other sides of the housing.Backlight assembly 700 also comprises optical article 720. Housing 705and optical article 720 form an enclosed backlight. Housing 705 maycomprise metal and/or polymer. Reflective internal surfaces may compriseany of the reflectors and reflective surfaces described above.

In this embodiment, optical article 720 comprises multilayer opticalfilm 721, viscoelastic lightguide 722 disposed on the multilayer opticalfilm, retroreflective film 723 disposed on the lightguide opposite themultilayer optical film, and additional layer 724 disposed on theretroreflective film opposite the lightguide. The multilayer opticalfilm may comprise a three-quarter mirror as described above. Theviscoelastic lightguide 722 and retroreflective film 723 may eachcomprise any of those described above. Additional layer 724 may compriseany material that transmits light from inside the enclosed backlight tooutside illumination device 700. Additional layer 724 may comprise apolymeric film which may be diffusive and/or translucent. Polymeric film724 may also provide an image as described above and in 61/169973 filedon Apr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.).

The optical articles and optical devices may be used on or in displaydevices such as cell phones, personal digital devices, MP3 players,digital picture frames, monitors, laptop computers, projectors such asmini-projectors, global positioning displays, televisions, etc. Theoptical articles may be used in place of conventional lightguides usedto backlight a display panel of the display device. For example, theviscoelastic lightguide may be used to replace a solid or hollowlightguide that distributes light from one or more substantially linearor point light sources. The display device can be assembled without theneed for adhesives to bond display components to the viscoelasticlightguide.

Exemplary display devices include those having LCD and plasma displaypanels. Exemplary display devices are described in 61/169973 filed onApr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.); (US 2008/232135 A1 (Kinderet al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,696 (Allen et al.).

The optical articles and devices may be used for lighting buttons andkeypads in various electronic devices including the display devicesdescribed above. In this case, the optical articles and devices are usedin place of a conventional lightguide as described in FIG. 28 of61/169973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.); U.S. Pat.No. 7,498,535 (Hoyle); U.S. 2007/0279391 A1 (Marttila, et al.), U.S.2008/0053800 A1 (Hoyle), and U.S. Ser. No. 12/199862 (63619US006,Sahlin, et al.) all incorporated herein by reference.

The optical articles and optical devices disclosed herein may beincorporated into security films or laminates. These security laminatesare used to protect documents or packages to ensure that underlyingitems are not altered. Security laminates may be used to make driverlicenses, passports, tamper proof seals and the like. Exemplary securityfilm constructions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,171 (Faykish);U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,842 (Florczak et al.); and U.S. Ser. No. 12/257223(64812US002, Endle et al.) all incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross section of an exemplary optical article800 comprising viscoelastic lightguide 801 and retroreflective film 802.Retroreflective film 802 may comprise a holographic film. A similarconstruction is shown in FIG. 1 of Faykish. Adhesive layer 820 ispatterned in the form of an image and this layer is disposed betweenretroreflective film 802 and adhesive layer 825. Adhesive layer 825 isdisposed on document 830 which is a document to be protected. Protectivelayer 840 protects the surface of the viscoelastic lightguide and/orother layers in between the protective layer and the lightguide.Protective layer 840 is typically a polymeric film or glass. Opticalarticle 800 has a front lit configuration and back lit configurationsmay be used.

The optical articles and optical devices may be used in the constructionof an illuminated license plate. Useful optical articles include thefront lit and back lit optical articles described in U.S. 2007/0006493(Eberwein); U.S. 2007/0031641 A1 (Frisch et al.); U.S. 20070209244(Prollius et al.); WO 2008/076612 A1 (Eberwein); WO 2008/121475 A1(Frisch); WO 2008/016978 (Wollner et al.) and WO 2007/92152 A2(Eberwein); all incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross section of exemplary license plateassembly 900 having a back lit configuration. A similar assembly isshown in FIG. 6 of Prollius et al. License plate assembly 900 comprisesframe 901 onto which is disposed light source 905. Viscoelasticlightguide 910 is adjacent the light source. Retroreflective film 930 isdisposed on top of the viscoelastic lightguide relative to the viewershown as eye 950. Disposed between the retroreflective film 930 andviscoelastic lightguide 910 is some material 940 having a relatively lowrefractive index as compared to that of retroreflective film 930.Material 940 may comprise air, a polymer or an aerogel as describedabove. License plate 960 with indicia 961 are adhered to retroreflectivefilm 930 with adhesive layer 970. Viscoelastic lightguide 910 maycomprise a PSA. Useful adhesives include optically clear adhesives,optically diffuse adhesives, radiation cured adhesives, thermal curedadhesives, hot melt adhesives, cold seal adhesives, heat activatedadhesives, adhesives that cure at room temperature.

Another exemplary license plate assembly comprises indicia disposed onthe retroreflective film, thus eliminating the need for license plate960 and adhesive layer 970. In this case, the retroreflective film isthe license plate.

In embodiments comprising retroreflective sheeting, the sheeting may be“flipped over” such that the sealing film is closer than the body layerto the viewer. In a front lit configuration, viscoelastic lightguide isadjacent the sealing film. A layer of an optically transmissive filmsuch as polymethylmethacrylate (for protection) may be disposed on theopposite side of the viscoelastic lightguide. A reflector such as aspecular reflector may be disposed on the retroreflective sheetingopposite the viscoelastic lightguide. In a back lit configuration,viscoelastic lightguide is adjacent the body layer. A reflector such asa specular reflector may be disposed on the retroreflective sheetingopposite the viscoelastic lightguide.

The terms “ in contact” and “disposed on” are used generally to describethat two items are adjacent one another such that the whole item canfunction as desired. This may mean that additional materials can bepresent between the adjacent items, as long as the item can function asdesired.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A 3-layer laminate was prepared from 3 pieces of tape (VHB™ Acrylic Tape4910F from 3M Company) comprising a clear acrylic PSA having a nominalthickness 1 mm and a refractive index of 1.473 as measured using an Abberefractometer. A hand roller was used to prepare the 3-layer laminate.This 3-layer laminate was then laminated to the face surface (viewer'sside) of 3M™ Diamond Grade™ Reflective Sheeting from 3M™ Company (4″×8″area) so that the sheeting was front lit. A side-emitting LED waspressed into the core PSA from one end and light was easily passedthrough the entire 8 inches of the 3-layer laminate and was able to bevisibly seen exiting. Light was also extracted perpendicular to thelight source along the white hexagon seal pattern of the sheeting.

Example 2

An adhesive composition formulated with 90/10 isooctyl acrylate/acrylicacid, 0.3 wt % hexanediol diacrylate and 0.2 wt % IRGACURE 651phototinitiator (Ciba Specialty) was coated onto a 5 mil mirror film(Vikuiti™ Enhanced Specular Reflector from 3M™ Co.) which had 2 ribbonsof side-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached 9 inches apart(with double stick adhesive). The adhesive composition was coated usinga notched bar knife coater and covered with a silicone release liner (CPFilms T10 2.0 mil polyester release liner). The adhesive composition wascured using a low intensity UV lamp for 15 minutes. The adhesivecomposition was coated at a wet thickness of 70 mils to completelyencapsulate the LED ribbons. The adhesive had a thickness of 40 mils anda refractive index of 1.474 (as measured on an Abbe refractometer). Theadhesive was removed from the ribbons at a connection point so that theLEDs could be powered. 3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG3 Reflective Sheeting(Series 4000) was then laminated on top of this LED embedded lightguideconstruction (9″×36″ area). The encapsulated side emitting LEDs werepowered and light was easily passed through the entire 9 inches of PSAlength and was able to be visibly seen exiting through the reflectivesheeting.

Example 3

An adhesive composition formulated with 90/10 isooctyl acrylate/acrylicacid, 0.3 wt % hexanediol diacrylate and 0.2 wt % IRGACURE 651phototinitiator (Ciba Specialty) was coated onto a 5 mil mirror film(Vikuiti™ Enhanced Specular Reflector from 3M™ Co.) which had 2 ribbonsof side-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached 9 inches apart(with double stick adhesive). The adhesive composition was coated usinga notched bar knife coater and covered with a silicone release liner (CPFilms T10 2.0 mil polyester release liner). The adhesive composition wascured using a low intensity UV lamp for 15 minutes. The adhesivecomposition was coated at a wet thickness of 70 mils to completelyencapsulate the LED ribbons. The adhesive had a thickness of 40 mils anda refractive index of 1.474 (as measured on an Abbe refractometer). Theadhesive was removed from the ribbons at a connection point so that theLEDs could be powered. Flexible reflective sheeting comprising 3M™Diamond Grade™ Reflective Sheeting without the polycarbonate film wasthen laminated on top of this LED embedded light guide construction(9″×36″ area). The encapsulated side emitting LEDs were powered andlight was easily passed through the entire 9 inches of PSA length andwas able to be visibly seen exiting through the reflective sheeting.

1. An optical device comprising: a light source; a viscoelasticlightguide, wherein light emitted by the light source enters theviscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide bytotal internal reflection; and a retroreflective film suitable forretroreflecting light, wherein light being transported within theviscoelastic lightguide is extracted from the lightguide andretroreflected from a structured surface of the retroreflective film. 2.The optical device of claim 1, wherein retroreflected comprisesreflected by refraction.
 3. The optical device of claim 1, whereinretroreflected comprises reflected by diffraction.
 4. (canceled)
 5. Theoptical device of claim 1, wherein at least about 80% of light beingtransported within the viscoelastic lightguide is extracted from thelightguide.
 6. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the viscoelasticlightguide comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 7. (canceled)
 8. Theoptical device of claim 1, wherein the viscoelastic lightguide has alight transmittance of from about 90 to about 100% and a haze value offrom about 0.01 to less than about 5%.
 9. The optical device of claim 1,wherein the retroreflective film has a refractive index greater thanthat of the viscoelastic lightguide.
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled) 12.The optical device of claim 1, wherein the retroreflective filmcomprises prismatic retroreflective sheeting.
 13. The optical device ofclaim 1, wherein the retroreflective film is disposed on a mirror. 14.The optical device of claim 1, wherein the viscoelastic layer isdisposed on a printed graphic film.
 15. The optical device of claim 1,wherein the viscoelastic layer is disposed on a holographic film. 16.(canceled)
 17. The optical device of claim 1, wherein theretroreflective film comprises retroreflective sheeting, and theviscoelastic lightguide is disposed between the sheeting and amultilayer optical film comprising a three-quarter mirror. 18.(canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled) 27.(canceled)
 28. An optical device comprising: a light source; aviscoelastic lightguide, wherein light emitted by the light sourceenters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within thelightguide by total internal reflection; and a retroreflective filmsuitable for retroreflecting light, wherein light being transportedwithin the viscoelastic lightguide is extracted from the lightguide andtransmitted through the retroreflective film.
 29. The optical device ofclaim 28, wherein at least about 80% of light being transported withinthe viscoelastic lightguide is extracted from the lightguide.
 30. Theoptical device of claim 28, wherein the viscoelastic lightguidecomprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 31. The optical device of claim28, wherein the viscoelastic lightguide has a light transmittance offrom about 90 to about 100% and a haze value of from about 0.01 to lessthan about 5%.
 32. The optical device of claim 28, wherein theretroreflective film has a refractive index greater than that of theviscoelastic lightguide.
 33. The optical device of claim 28, wherein theretroreflective film comprises prismatic retroreflective sheeting. 34.The optical device of claim 28, wherein the retroreflective film isdisposed on a mirror.
 35. The optical device of claim 28, wherein theviscoelastic layer is disposed on a printed graphic film.
 36. Theoptical device of claim 28, wherein the viscoelastic layer is disposedon a holographic film.
 37. The optical device of claim 28, wherein theretroreflective film comprises retroreflective sheeting, and theviscoelastic lightguide is disposed between the sheeting and amultilayer optical film comprising a three-quarter mirror.
 38. Theoptical device of claim 28, wherein the viscoelastic lightguide isdisposed on a mirror.
 39. The optical device of claim 28, wherein theretroreflective film comprises retroreflective sheeting, and theviscoelastic lightguide is disposed between the sheeting and a mirror.